Iran Proposes Ceasefire First, Nuclear Talks Later via Pakistan

Reuters reported on Monday, April 27, citing an Axios report and statements from one American official and two informed sources, that the Islamic Republic has put forward a proposal to the United States through Pakistan’s mediation to help end the ongoing conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

According to American sources quoted by Axios, Tehran is pushing a phased plan. It suggests that hostilities should be halted first and the maritime route reopened, with discussions on the nuclear program to follow later in a separate phase. Reuters added that the nuclear issue is not being treated as an immediate priority in this proposal and has instead been pushed to later stages. Sources familiar with the matter said the aim is to ease the current diplomatic deadlock, reduce military tensions in the short term, and restore stability to one of the world’s most crucial energy transit routes.

The report also noted that Pakistan has played a mediating role by relaying Tehran’s message to Washington. However, no detailed information about the proposal has been made public, and it remains unclear how the United States has responded or at what stage the proposal is being reviewed. Axios further reported that the plan is currently under review within the U.S. government, with decisions likely to be taken at the White House level. At the same time, American officials have reiterated that Washington’s broader policy remains unchanged, stressing its commitment to preventing the Islamic Republic from developing nuclear weapons.

This diplomatic move comes at a time when concerns around security in the Strait of Hormuz and its effect on global energy markets are rising, alongside continued efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the United States.